Page 52 of A Very Bookish Murder
‘I have to assume that she visits Owen just as soon as they finish their evening meal at the hotel,’ Ally replied, ‘so I really need to be there to confront her and have some sort of conversation. I need to be sure.’
‘She doesn’t sound like the friendliest of characters,’ Ross pointed out, ‘so, for God’s sake, be careful! I think I should come with you.’
‘No,’ Ally said firmly. ‘I know you mean well, Ross, but I think I have a better chance of extracting the truth from her if I’m alone, woman to woman, and all that. And then there’s Morwenna…’
‘I didn’t think she was a prime suspect?’
‘No, she isn’t,’ Ally said, ‘but she wants to move in up here. I’ll explain when I see you.’
‘Promise me one thing, Ally. Promise me you’ll see this Laura at the Craigmonie, and not, repeatnot, at Owen Jones’s van? Because he’s a rough character, and I’ll definitely come with you if you’re going there.’
‘No, I promise that I’ll contact her at the Craigmonie.’
‘OK,’ said Ross. ‘Just don’t wear a scarf.’
Ally arrived at the Craigmonie at about five o’clock, unaware that all of the women were having a final meeting to sum up their previous week’s experiences, and now they came streaming out.
‘What areyoudoing here?’ Penelope boomed as the group made their way through the reception area.
‘I just want to have a word with Laura,’ Ally replied, deciding it was best to be honest. ‘Just something I want to ask her.’
Morwenna, who was with them, said, ‘She’ll be up in her room, I expect, although I know she’ll go out soon. She always does and doesn’t join us for dinner.’
‘Good. I’ll wait,’ Ally said, wondering if Morwenna had already agreed to move in with one of her guests.
‘We were all wondering if you’d join us here tomorrow night for dinner?’ Millie asked.
‘Thank you,’ Ally said. ‘That’s most kind of you.’
‘Well it’ll be our last supper, in a manner of speaking!’ Brigitte remarked and looked around. ‘Our treat – yes?’
They all nodded enthusiastically.
Ally thanked them again. She was on her own tomorrow evening and hadn’t even begun to think about what she might have for supper, and a meal at the Craigmonie did seem to be the better alternative to beans on toast. ‘I’ll look forward to it,’ she said as they made their way towards the door.
After a few minutes, Ally decided it might be an idea to contact Laura, in her room, via the receptionist, worrying that there might be another exit where Laura could sneak out without being seen. And she had promised Ross that she wouldn’t go near Owen Jones’s van.
She was also beginning to feel very tired. She’d had a sleepless night, followed by a busy day, and she promised herself that she’d go early to bed.
Just as she stood up to go to the reception desk, Laura came dashing down the stairs, wearing a low-cut top, skinny jeans and a frown, with a capacious tote bag slung over one shoulder.
‘Laura?’
Laura’s frown deepened. ‘Yes?’
‘May I have a word, please?’ Ally asked.
‘I’m just goingout!’ Laura snapped with a further scowl.
‘I realise that,’ Ally said, as soothingly as she could, ‘but this is important. Can I buy you a drink?’
Laura looked at her watch, gave a huge sigh and said, ‘Five minutes then,’ as she followed Ally towards the bar.
‘What’ll you have?’ Ally asked, disliking this woman more and more.
‘I’ll have a G&T,’ said Laura.
Ally ordered a gin and tonic for Laura and a glass of white wine for herself, and then they made their way towards a table for two.
